Subtle Black Beauty

Starring at the reflection

Trying to find the beauty

What beauty? Among the kinky curls & oversaturated skin

Within the dark lifeless pupils

Between the protruding curves

Desperately calling for attention

That subtle black beauty

Is what I long to find

The black beauty society tore away from me, the moment I began to breathe

So every night, through my camera roll I scroll

Searching

Longing, pathetically for a feeling

That should exist within me but is missing

Forlorn, I end my quest

Surrendering my body to sleep

Dreaming about a world

Where my subtle black beauty can exist

July 17th, 2020

Intro

              Part 1. Setting the stage

              Growing up first-generation American from an African country is probably one of my most integral identities that many don’t get to see or understand. The balance of assimilating into American culture, while simultaneously balancing Ugandan culture is one of the hardest things to do, when most on the outside categorize you as American.

              I’ve always found it hard to relate to my American friends, whether this concerned not being allowed to sleep over at friends’ houses, or the “weird” music we would listen to in our house. As I have gotten older, there is little space in daily life to sit and indulge on the various differences between each other and exchange experiences.

              The hustle is serious, to get a degree, to get a job, to start a family, buy a house, etc. The cultural pressures I face on a daily basis—both American and Ugandan—push and pull me in opposite directions. Each culture has differing definitions of success, different educational expectations, and values.

              Tezigwa is a space where we aim to discuss the various nuances of life as a first-generation American. A space where we can take the time to talk about these differences and hopefully come to appreciate them. From funny anecdotes, to spoken word, and opinion pieces, tezigwa is for all.